STANDABD DIALECT OP SIBSA6AB.
The following translation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son has been prepared for
this Survey by Captain P. & T, Gurdon, I.S.C., and Srijut Hem Chandra Gosain. It
has been pointed out that the preceding specimen illustrates the form of Assamese which
has been adopted by Missionaries in their literary labours. The present one may be
taken as illustrating the language as used by aa educated Assamese who is not bound by
these traditions.
There are few differences between the two* the principal being the free use of the
respectful word dpuni instead of the more familiar tmi for * you5, and the use of the
respectful form of the imperative when addressing a father. There are also one or two
changes of idiom, such as * eating' instead of * giving' a kiss, and the like. On the whole,
however, the versions are so similar that it is unnecessary to do more than to give a
transliteration in the-Roman character of the second. To add a copy in the Assamese
character, a phonetic transcription, or an interlinear translation would be waste of paper
and ink.
The gentlemen who have prepared the version are the joint editors of the Heim
Ko*ha> the standard dictionary of the language, and their names are a guarantee for the
accuracy and idiomatic character of the translation* lam glad to be able to take this
opportunity of expressing my great indebtedness to Captain Gurdon, for much kindly
assistance and criticism rendered to me during the preparation of this section of the
Survey.
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